Washington Eviction Notice Overview
Washington uses a 14-day notice for non-payment of rent under RCW 59.12.030(3) (increased from 3 days in 2021 under ESHB 1236). Washington does not use a 5-day notice. The state has enacted extensive tenant protections including just-cause eviction requirements. Cases are filed in Superior Court or District Court.
Understanding the correct notice period is critical for Washington landlords. Using a 5-day notice when the law requires a different period will result in the court dismissing the eviction case, costing the landlord additional time and filing fees. Always verify the current Washington statutory requirements before serving any eviction notice.
14-day
Actual notice period
$45 - $200
Court filing fee
Superior
Court type
5-10 Wks
Total process
Why Washington Uses 14-day, Not 5 Days
Important: Washington Does Not Have a 5-Day Notice
A 5-day eviction notice is not the correct notice period in Washington. Under RCW 59.12.030(3), the required notice for non-payment of rent is 14-day. Serving a 5-day notice will likely result in the court dismissing your case. Use the correct 14-day notice period.
States that do use a 5-day notice include Arizona, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Washington is not among them. The 14-day notice requirement in Washington applies to the most common eviction scenario: non-payment of rent. Other eviction grounds (lease violations, month-to-month terminations) may require different notice periods under Washington law.
If you are a landlord in Washington, ensure your eviction notice complies with RCW 59.12.030(3) and includes all elements required by Superior/District Court. Using our Washington-specific template ensures you have the correct notice period and statutory language.
Washington Legal Requirements for Eviction Notices
To withstand judicial scrutiny in Washington Superior/District Court, your eviction notice must contain all elements required by state law. Missing even one required element gives the tenant grounds to challenge the notice.
Required Notice Contents
- Tenant Names: Full legal names of all adult tenants on the lease agreement
- Property Address: Complete address including unit number, city, and Washington county
- Amount Owed: For non-payment cases, specific dollar amount of rent due plus any lawful late fees
- Notice Period: Clear statement of the 14-day period to pay or vacate as required by RCW 59.12.030(3)
- Consequences: Warning that failure to pay or vacate will result in eviction proceedings in Superior/District Court
- Landlord Information: Name, signature, and contact information of the landlord or property manager
- Date of Service: The date the notice is delivered, which starts the 14-day clock
How to Serve an Eviction Notice in Washington
Proper service of the eviction notice is essential under Washington law. Superior/District Court judges regularly dismiss cases where the landlord cannot demonstrate proper service.
Personal Hand-Delivery (Preferred)
Deliver the notice directly to the tenant in person. Bring a witness or use a process server for documentation. This is the method Washington courts trust most.
Substituted Service
If the tenant is not available, leave the notice with a competent adult (18+) residing at the property. Record the name and date of service.
Post and Mail
Post the notice on the main entry door and mail a copy via first-class or certified mail. Use this as a last resort when personal delivery fails.
Document Everything
Prepare a proof of service affidavit recording the date, time, method, and witnesses. Washington courts require this when filing the eviction complaint.
File After Notice Period Expires
Once the 14-day period expires without payment or vacancy, file the eviction complaint at the Superior/District Court in the jurisdiction where the property is located.
Washington Eviction Timeline
The eviction process in Washington follows a specific timeline from notice to enforcement. A typical uncontested eviction takes approximately 5-10 Wks from the date the notice is served. Contested cases can take significantly longer.
After the 14-day notice period expires and the complaint is filed, the court schedules a hearing. At the hearing, the judge reviews the notice, lease, and proof of service. If the landlord prevails, the court enters a judgment for possession.
Following the judgment, the tenant has a limited time to appeal or vacate. If the tenant does not leave voluntarily, the landlord obtains a writ of possession, and the sheriff or constable enforces the removal. Self-help evictions are illegal in Washington and can expose the landlord to substantial liability.
Washington Eviction Filing Fees & Costs
Below are the typical costs associated with the eviction process in Washington. Actual fees may vary by county and specific circumstances.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| Superior/District Court Filing Fee | $45 - $200 |
| Service of Process | $25 - $75 |
| Writ of Possession | $25 - $100 |
| Attorney Fees (Uncontested) | $400 - $2,000 |
Sample Washington Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of the Washington-specific eviction notice using the correct 14-day notice period required by RCW 59.12.030(3).
NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR QUIT
STATE OF WASHINGTON
Pursuant to RCW 59.12.030(3)
TO TENANT(S):
Name(s): [All Tenant Names]
Address: [Full Washington Address]
NOTICE:
You are notified that rent in the amount of $[Amount] is past due. Pursuant to RCW 59.12.030(3), you have 14-DAY from the date of service to pay the total amount due or surrender possession.
WASHINGTON COMPLIANCE
This notice uses the correct 14-day period required by Washington law under RCW 59.12.030(3). A 5-day notice is not valid in Washington.